Is your head feeling tight? It could be a tension headache!

Do you sometimes feel like a tight band is tied around your head, your forehead and cheeks are tight? Do you feel pain as if someone is squeezing your head? Then you may have a tension headache . While this is normal for most people, it can be a bit annoying for some. So let's talk about this in more detail today, shall we?

What is a Tension Headache?

Simply put, a tension headache is a headache that feels like a tight band is tied around your head, causing pressure and pressure on your forehead and temples. Doctors sometimes call this a ``tension-type headache.'' There are actually many causes for this. Sometimes we can't avoid all of these causes. But the good news is that in addition to things we can do to prevent it, if simple home treatments don't help, there are medications and other treatments that doctors can prescribe to reduce the pressure of these headaches.

Are there any types of this headache?

Yes, doctors classify these headaches based on how often you get them. There are three main types:

• Infrequent episodic: In this type, you get headaches one day a month or less.
• Frequent episodic type: In this type, headaches may occur from one to fourteen days per month, for a period of about three months.
• Chronic: This is a bit more troublesome. If you have a headache for more than fifteen days a month, for a period of about three months, it falls into this category.

Is Tension Headache common?

Actually, yes. Tension Headache is the most common primary headache type . Researchers estimate that more than 70% of people experience this episodic tension headache. It is also said to be slightly more common in women .

What are the symptoms of this?

Symptoms can vary slightly from person to person, but most people describe the pain of a tension headache as follows:

• You feel a constant, mild to moderate amount of pressure and pain .
• It feels like someone is squeezing the two sides of my head together.
• The muscles in my neck and shoulders feel tight, as if they are being squeezed .
• Some people may also be a little sensitive to bright lights and noise .

These symptoms come on gradually and gradually. They may last for about 30 minutes and then go away. But sometimes the pain can last for a week. For those with the chronic tension headaches mentioned earlier, it can feel like they are living with the pain and pressure of this headache all the time.

Why do we get tension headaches? What are the causes?

Researchers are still trying to figure out the exact cause. Some believe that tension headaches start when the muscles between your head and neck become tense , and eventually the muscles on your scalp become tense. The main reason for this constant tightening of the muscles is stress or emotional conflict .

And several other reasons may affect this:

• Neck strain: The strain that occurs in the neck muscles when you sit for a long time reading a book or newspaper, or when you hold the phone between your neck and shoulder while talking. Think about it, some people hold their phones tightly against their shoulders while working, things like that.
• Eye strain: Eye strain that occurs when you stare at a computer screen for a long time or when you stare at documents for a long time without taking a break.
• Temporomandibular joint disorder ( TMJ ): If you have any problems with your jaw joint, that could also be a cause.
• Degenerative arthritis in your neck .
• Sleep disorders: Conditions such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
• Anxiety .
• Depression .

Imagine, Niluka spends all day in front of the computer in the office. When she comes home after work, both her neck and head hurt. She often gets tension headaches. The reason for this could be from sitting in the same position for a long time and straining her eyes.

What complications can this cause?

Chronic tension headaches, which last for weeks or months, can have a significant impact on your quality of life . For example, you may have trouble focusing on your work and family responsibilities because you have to deal with the constant pressure of the headache.It can be difficult. It can interfere with everyday life.

How does a doctor know for sure that this is a tension headache?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask you about your medical history and current symptoms. This means you may be asked questions like:

• How often do you have these symptoms?
• At what times of day do you feel these symptoms most?
• What kinds of things make these symptoms worse?
• Do you feel relief when you take over-the-counter pain relievers from the pharmacy?

Sometimes, your doctor may order a CT (Computed Tomography) scan or a Brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan to check for other serious underlying conditions.

What is the treatment for this?

Treatment options vary depending on the type of tension headache you have. For example, if you have an episodic headache, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. These include:

• Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) – This is the paracetamol we all know.
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil®, Motrin®)
• Naproxen sodium (e.g. Aleve®)

But if you have a chronic tension headache, your doctor may prescribe medications like these:

• Antiseizure medications: For example, Gabapentin (Neurontin®) or Topiramate (Topamax®, Topiragen®). These also help reduce pain.
• Some medications for depression, such as Amitriptyline, can also help relieve pain.
• Alternative therapies: Things like biofeedback, meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage stress.
• Physical therapy: This can be helpful for sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).

Are there any side effects from the treatment?

Side effects and complications vary depending on the treatment. However, one common side effect of frequent use of over-the-counter or prescription painkillers for tension headaches is rebound headaches or medication overuse headaches .

Rebound headaches are when you keep using headache medication and get headaches again. That's why doctors advise limiting your use of painkillers to no more than 10 days in any given month . This is a very important thing to remember.

What can you expect if you have a tension headache?

If you, like most people, have an episodic tension headache, you can manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers and stress reduction. But for those with chronic tension headaches, you may need to take antidepressants or participate in treatments like biofeedback.

How do you get rid of this headache? How do you prevent it?

Managing stress is the most effective way to prevent a tension headache. The best ways to manage stress are to incorporate things that are easy to incorporate into your daily life and that make you feel good. Here are a few examples:

• Massage therapy: Get a light massage if possible.
• Regular exercise: This includes walking for at least 30 minutes a day, doing yoga, etc.
• Getting enough rest: Getting 7-8 hours of good sleep a day is very important.
• Simple things like listening to a song you like, talking to a friend, or taking a few deep breaths to clear your mind can help.

How to quickly relieve a headache?

Over-the-counter painkillers can help with occasional tension headaches. There are also simple things you can do at home. For example, applying a hot water bottle or ice pack to your head and neck can help some people.

When should I see a doctor?

Tension headaches are not life-threatening . However, they can sometimes be a symptom of another serious medical condition , or a sign that an existing condition is getting worse. So, if you have a headache and any of the following symptoms, be sure to see a doctor:

• If you have a fever with a stiff neck .
• If you have pain or tenderness in your temples or jaw, such as when eating or combing your hair.
• If you have a fever that is higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) and does not go down .
• If you are over 50 years old , and your headaches are different from usual, and occur more frequently.
• If you have a headache that only occurs when you lie in bed or when you get up (positional headache) .
• If you have cancer or an autoimmune disease , and your headaches seem to be getting more frequent and severe.
• If you feel numbness or weakness .

When should you go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

You have a sudden, severe headache that gets worse quickly.If you have a headache, you should definitely go to the Emergency Room (ER). Also, seek immediate medical attention if you have a headache along with the following symptoms:

• Confused thoughts, slurred speech, or weakness .
• There is a change in your vision or ability to speak .
• Things like weakness, drowsiness, confusion, or loss of balance .
• Feeling short of breath .

At a time like this, don't delay, go to a hospital immediately.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, you can ask questions like these:

• Why do I get this tension headache?
• What kind of treatment does the doctor recommend for me?
• Will I have to live with this tension headache forever?

Some important things for many people (Take-Home Message)

Tension headaches usually start in the muscles of your neck and shoulders, and are often aggravated by stress or other problems. Then you feel a dull ache in your forehead, as if someone is pressing your head with their hands.

If you have this condition, it may be a tension headache. It can be an occasional headache or a persistent headache. However, if you have symptoms of tension headaches , it is important to talk to a doctor . He or she will ask you questions and try to figure out why you are experiencing these symptoms. If stress is the main cause, your doctor will tell you about lifestyle changes and other things you can do to reduce stress. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend medication or physical therapy. Take care of your health, don't suffer alone.

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